John S. Solinas

1924 - 2015

John S. Solinas, 91, formerly of Hornell, Canaseraga and Woodhull, entered into rest early Tuesday morning (March 31, 2015) at the Steuben Center in Bath. Born in Hornell on Jan. 12, 1924, he was a son of the late John M. and Ida Cavalcoli Solinas. On Oct. 19, 1946, he was married at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell to the former, Pearl Stickles, who predeceased him on April 23, 2008, after 61 years of marriage.

Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his brother, Matthew Solinas and his three sisters, Jennie Solinas, Anne Fosnaugh and Mary Jo Hanson.

A graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1943, John resided in Hornell for 85 years, before becoming a resident of Canaseraga, Woodhull and Bath. He was a railroader for 41 years and began his career as a steam engine machinist with the former, Erie and Erie-Lackawanna Railroads, in the Mechanical Department in various positions, and retired in 1984 as a General Foreman for Conrail in Gang Mills. After retiring from the railroad, he continued working for another 15 years at North Main Lumber in Hornell. Being known as a "Mr. Fix-it" in home repair his entire life, he enjoyed meeting and helping people from that counter with their repairs questions. John was the longest serving alderman in the City of Hornell, with more than 30 years of public service, including two terms as a Steuben County Legislator. He was also a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell, where he served as a long time usher; later while residing in Canaseraga, he became a member of St. Mary's Parish.

His loving family includes his two daughters, Sharon Smith of Canaseraga and Christine (Jim) Wheeler of Hornell; his two sons, Gerald Solinas of Abbotstown, PA. and David (Lisa) Solinas of Woodhull; his six grandchildren, Theresa Gleason-Black and Beth Evangelist both of Canaseraga, Steve Solinas and Nina Randolph both of Addison, Chrystal Lukwago of Harrisburg, PA. and Jamie Solinas of Camp Hill, PA.; his 10 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Delores Toti of Las Vegas, NV.; also his many nieces and nephews; as well as, his special friend, Betty Cary of Wellsville.

The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of John S. Solinas. There will be an hour of calling from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to meet his family at St. Mary's Church in Canaseraga, where a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. today (Thursday) with the Rev. John Cullen officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Fremont. Online condolences or remembrances of John are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.